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Tunnelling work starts for Metro

DUBAI — The Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority has said that the Tunnel Boring Machines, Al Wugeisha 1 and 2, have commenced operations this week.

While Al Wugeisha 1 started the main drive, Al Wugeisha 2 began its initial drive. Engineer Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Construction Department, Rail Agency, RTA said, “We are glad that the tunnelling works are progressing on schedule. The initial tunnelling drive for TBM 1 had been completed successfully. All major tunnelling works using a TBM involves an initial drive which is followed by a main drive when the full tunnel machine is assembled. Our TBMs are Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) type that supports the ground as it progresses the construction of the tunnel. “

“Each tunnel is supported by a larger and specialised team of individuals to operate and monitor its behaviour as well as monitor the surroundings and buildings to ensure safe operation of the tunneling works.

RTA and DURL have implemented extensive safety plans to ensure the entire tunnelling process is completed according to precedent, comprehensive planning. Precautionary measures and emergency action plans have been implemented in collaboration with Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police as well Dubai Governmentís Department of Health and Medical Services. An emergency team is on standby to react if any unforeseen event occurs,” he added.

Al Wugeisha 1 will tunnel from Union Square to Burjuman. Its initial drive was completed in March. It was then stopped to install support systems such as belt conveyors and back-up gantries. As scheduled, this TBM has started its main drive. Al Wugeisha is expected to reach the Creek by early May and will pass under the Creek up to a maximum depth of 30 metres; crossing of the Creek will be completed by mid June. During the main drive, Al Wugeisha is scheduled to cover around 270 metres a month. The machine is scheduled to reach Burjuman by early September, with a total length of 1,500 metres completed tunnel.

Al Wugeisha 2 (TBM 2) has commenced its initial drive, at Union Square, where has broken through the wall shaft. Around 58 permanent rings of the tunnel at Union Square will be constructed to complete the initial drive.

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